Gulfstream has announced that the Jet ConneX worldwide satellite communications network will be available to G650ER, G650, G550 and G450 operators as a completions option and retrofit beginning in 2017. Jet ConneX is installed on Gulfstream’s G650ER and G500 demonstration aircraft, both of which are on display at NBAA 2016, held in Orlando, Florida, on November 1-3, 2016.
“Jet ConneX provides high-speed wi-fi service that is up to 34 times faster than what some of our operators currently have,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Passengers will be able to stream videos, make and receive phone calls on their personal smartphones and watch live television almost anywhere.”
Using Inmarsat’s three-satellite I-5 Ka-band network, Gulfstream operators will have access to real-time television, audio and video streaming virtually anywhere in the world. Jet ConneX has been certified by the FAA and EASA. It is transmitted at speeds up to 15Mbps. Its coverage is worldwide, except for the polar regions, and it can be used over land and water and throughout all phases of flight.
Gulfstream says applications supported by Jet ConneX on its aircraft will include video streaming, including conferencing, real-time TV and movies; faster internet browsing; faster email; iMessage on Apple devices/IP messaging (WhatsApp); faster VPN connections; clearer VoIP; and flight deck and cabin crew applications.
The hardware used to link Jet ConneX with Gulfstream’s aircraft is supplied by Honeywell. Gulfstream and Honeywell partnered to begin flight testing of Jet ConneX on a Honeywell-owned G650 in July 2016. Their in-service evaluation, which is ongoing for several aircraft, will continue through mid-2017.
“We are fully committed to providing the best aviation experience to customers, and putting this equipment through a robust in-service evaluation is a critical part of that,” said Burns. “The early feedback from customers has been extremely positive.”
The only prerequisite for installation of Jet ConneX is the Satcom Direct Router, which became a standard feature on the G650ER/G650, G550 and G450 in 2015 with the purchase of a connectivity system.
Upon conclusion of the in-service evaluation, Gulfstream’s completion centers in Savannah, Georgia, Appleton, Wisconsin, and Long Beach, California, along with most of its company-owned service centers, will install the hardware needed for Jet ConneX.
Jet ConneX will initially be available for G650ER/G650 operators in 2017, followed by G550 and G450 operators, respectively. The connectivity will be available for the new G500 and G600 upon entry into service. The G500 is scheduled to be delivered to customers beginning in 2017, followed by the G600 in 2018.
November 1, 2016
